What is Streetwear? A Must-Know Guide Streetwear has taken the world by storm in recent years, becoming one of the most popular trends in the fashion industry. But what exactly is streetwear and what are the key elements? This guide will provide must-know info on streetwear, including its history and impact.
What is Streetwear?
Streetwear is an avant-garde fashion movement that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by relaxed and comfortable clothing inspired by the skateboard, surf, and hip-hop cultures of Southern California. It is often seen as an opposite to the luxury fashion and traditional clothing often seen in stores.
The History of Streetwear
While streetwear is a modern fashion trend, its roots can be traced back to the 1950s. During this decade, the streets of California were filled with low-income Bohemian immigrants and free-spirited surfers. It was in this period that the style of loose-fitting clothing, including denim jeans, plaid shirts, and baggy tees, known as surfwear or pre-streetwear, was born.
Fast forward to the 1970s, when the sportswear and sneakers worn by inner-city youths also took inspiration from these surfers and bohemians. This early urban streetwear culture exploded in the mid- to late-1970s and was adopted by celebrities, rap artists, and moguls, who quickly propelled it mainstream. These clothes weren’t just being worn for street style – they were being worn to make a statement.
The Impact of Streetwear
Streetwear has had an immeasurable impact on the fashion industry since it first became popular in the late 1970s. Many of the streetwear brands that have become mainstays of today’s fashion world owe their success to the influence of streetwear.
From the rise of big-name lifestyle brands such as Supreme to the continued influence of indie designers, streetwear has become a fashion force of its own and is now seen on red carpets, runways, and magazine spreads.
Moreover, the phenomenon of streetwear has become part of a larger trend of self-expression and individuality, and the freedom associated with it has helped to drive a bigger movement of inclusiveness and diversity.
Streetwear Icons
Streetwear wouldn’t have become an established and successful trend without the people who helped to create, support, and promote it. Here are some of the icons of streetwear:
• Hiroshi Fujiwara: After transitioning from the Japanese rock music industry to streetwear, Fujiwara was one of the pioneers of the 1980s streetwear movement. He was the co-founder of influential streetwear collective, Good Enough, and was credited for creating the hip-hop-meets-punk-meets-Basquiat aesthetic.
• Shawn Stussy: Founder of the iconic streetwear label Stüssy, Shawn Stussy was a central figure in the ’80s and ’90s streetwear scene. His label was one of the first to feature custom-printed apparel with bold graphics and irreverent, eye-catching designs.
• Jeff Staple: Jeff Staple is a graphic designer, entrepreneur, and streetwear designer. He is the founder of Rebel 8 and Staple Design, one of the leaders of the tactical streetwear movement and often credited with introducing streetwear to a wider audience.
• Nigo: Nigo is the founder of the Japanese streetwear label A Bathing Ape (BAPE). He gained prominence in the early 2000s and was praised for bringing streetwear to its current level of social relevance.
• Virgil Abloh: Abloh is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and streetwear icon. His label, Off-White, pushed the boundaries of streetwear and high fashion, blending them perfectly. Abloh’s influence on streetwear has been immense, and his work was even featured in the 2018 Met Gala.
Must-Have Streetwear Pieces
If you’re looking to get into streetwear, there are some must-have pieces that every streetwear enthusiast should know about:
• Graphic T-Shirts: Graphic tees are a streetwear staple and can add a cool and stylish touch to any outfit. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and designs, from classic logo tees to bold statement shirts.
• Denim Jeans: Denim jeans are the perfect foundation for any streetwear look. They’re versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and can be styled with a variety of other pieces. From skinny jeans to baggy styles, there’s a pair of denim jeans to suit any look.
• Sneakers: No streetwear look is complete without a pair of stylish sneakers. There are a range of styles to choose from, including chunky dad sneakers, classic high-tops, and minimalist kicks.
• Outerwear: Whether it’s a leather jacket, bomber jacket, or denim jacket, outerwear is an essential part of any streetwear look. Choose lightweight pieces to wear in the warmer months, or heavier styles for when the temperature drops.
Streetwear is one of the most popular fashion trends of the last few decades, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With its comfortable and relaxed clothing styles, as well as its connection to style icons and influencers, it’s no wonder why. If you’re looking to get into streetwear, now you know the history and basics of the trend, as well as some must-haves pieces to add to your wardrobe.
